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ACE Export Manifest Resource Center

Answers and Help to Common Questions Concerning Ace Export Manifest

What is the goal of the ACE Export Manifest program?

As part of CBP's overall ACE initiative, electronic export functionality will help close the loop on the import-export process and bring more modernized standards to labor-intensive export manifest procedures. An electronic export manifest will also allow CBP to better identify potential security concerns earlier in the supply chain and correct administrative issues. This may help reduce potential delays in exports while speeding the flow of compliant shipments.

What is the deployment schedule for ACE Export Manifest Functionality?

ACE Export Manifest functionality is being deployed via a series of initial pilots by mode of transport.

Air, ocean and rail are now in pilot modes and each will run for approximately two years.

Do I need to participate in the ACE pilot programs?

Although participation is not required, there are definite benefits to joining the pilot programs. The tests may help you discover how the changes would impact your business and the feasibility of the submission timeframes.

What messages will be used for export manifest filings for air?

Cargo Interchange Message Procedures (Cargo-IMP), Air Customs Automated Manifest Interface Requirements (Air-CAMIR) and Extensible Markup Language (XML) will be used for ACE Air Export Manifest pilot with Unified-XML to follow.

What Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) will be involved with export manifest?

In both the air and ocean export manifest pilot, PGA participation is not currently enabled. Much of the PGA integration on the export side is related to export commodities. Please refer to the green PGA section in the ACE Development & Deployment document which details the most current schedule for the release of all capabilities including PGA connectivity. From the Descartes side, we are very involved in PGA participation and have recently selected to be trade lead on the FDA Working Group.

Does an ACE Export Manifest replace the filing?

The export manifest does not replace the filing. The Automated Export System (AES) filing is equivalent to entry information on the import side. This does not replace and is completely separate from the manifest filing. The manifest information is the transportation information to identify the goods, where the goods are moving and their ultimate destination. However in regard to AES, please note that the U.S. Automated Export System Direct (AESDirect) Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing service will be moving from U.S. Census Bureau management control to the CBP control in 2016. Companies have a choice as to how to submit an EEI filing.

Will CBP need to physically see the shipment before the export?

No. Only those shipments that are placed on hold would need to be physically inspected. CBP only needs to view those shipments that are identified for examination. The rest will be processed without stoppage.

For ocean shipments, does export manifest information need to include Freight Remaining on Board (FROB)?

In the case of ocean shipments, CBP has advised that carriers should prepare for this possibility.

Will the new processes help to increase data quality?

Yes. CBP issues penalties when information was not been updated by the exporter. For example, if a carrier changes ports or the date(s) of export and this information did not flow back to the exporter, a fine could be issued. With the new processes, CBP can, in theory, automatically link-up the ports and the initial dates provided would be considered estimates. The actual port of crossing and date of crossing would come from the manifest. This relieves some of the burden on the trade for having to maintain and update the fields and ultimately increases data quality.

What will be the timing requirements for export manifest filings?

The timing by mode of transport is as follows:

For air shipments, a submission is requested to be filed 4-hours prior to loading.

For ocean shipments, the filing should be submitted 24-hours prior to vessel loading.

For rail shipments, at least 2-hours prior to loading of the cargo onto the rail car